A good man is willing to know the worst of himself, and particularly under affliction, desires to be told wherefore God contends with him and what God designs in correcting him.
Matthew HenryRead
Extraordinary afflictions are not always the punishment of extraordinary sins, but sometimes the trial of extraordinary graces.
Interpretation
Difficult experiences can be tests of our strengths rather than punishments for our faults.
This quote suggests that facing extraordinary challenges does not always signify that one has committed grave wrongdoings; rather, such afflictions can serve as a means to reveal and strengthen our extraordinary virtues. It emphasizes the idea that tough times can be opportunities for spiritual growth and the development of resilience and grace.
In practice
In a speech about resilience, one might state, 'As Matthew Henry wisely noted, extraordinary afflictions can hone our strengths.'
A good man is willing to know the worst of himself, and particularly under affliction, desires to be told wherefore God contends with him and what God designs in correcting him.
There is a burden of care in getting riches; fear in keeping them; temptation in using them; guilt in abusing them; sorrow in losing them; and a burden of account at last to be given concerning them.
To wait on God is to live a life of desire toward Him, delight in Him, dependence on Him, and devotedness to Him.
Scriptures were written, not to satisfy our curiosity and make us astronomers, but to lead us to God, and make us saints.
What God requires of us he himself works in us, or it is not done. He that commands faith, holiness, and love, creates them by the power of his grace going along with his word, that he may have all the praise.
No attribute of God is more dreadful to sinners than His holiness.
How often it is that a small action becomes great by its intention. And how often it is that a great action becomes small by its intention.
Mindfulness is a quality that's always there. It's an illusion that there's a meditation and post-meditation period, which I always find amusing, because you're either mindful or you're not.
There are more fools than wise men, and even in a wise man there is more folly than wisdom.
A wise man among the ignorant is as a beautiful girl in the company of blind men.
Let the spirit out - Discard all thoughts of reward, all hopes of praise and fears of blame, all awareness of one's bodily self. And, finally closing the avenues of sense perception, let the spirit out, as it will.
When a warrior learns to stop the internal dialogue, everything becomes possible; the most far-fetched schemes become attainable.
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